Did you know?

Canada has the highest rate of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in the WORLD! Yep, according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, over 5 million Canadians silently suffer with painful bloating, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and gas. And if you happen to live in Newfoundland and Labrador, your chances of having IBS are even higher, as it's home to the highest rates of IBS in the country.

What can you do?

Most people with IBS have been told to eat more fibre, drink more water, and stay physically active. But that doesn't always do the trick, does it? Here are three more ways to reduce your symptoms of IBS:

1. Give your body time to digest food. When you nibble all day long or eat frequent meals and snacks your digestive tract is working overtime. Give your digestive tract some time to rest and recover by leaving at least two hours between meals and snacks.

2. Reduce stress and anxiety. The relationship between your brain and your gut is fascinating. The research is still relatively young but we know that many people with IBS see their symptoms worsen with stress and anxiety. If this rings true to you, try experimenting with stress reduction techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, journaling, or counselling. When you're experiencing painful cramping relax your bowel by taking long, deep breaths until the pain passes.

3. Follow a low FODMAP diet. FODMAPs are specific types of carbohydrates that are difficult for many people with IBS to digest. A low FODMAP diet is a short-term elimination diet to help reduce your symptoms and pin point the specific foods that trigger your IBS. This approach gives you the freedom to eat without worry and reduces the stress associated with having IBS.

Wanna know more?

If you're interested in getting started with the low FODMAP diet I highly recommend doing so under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian with training in the area (like me!). The reasons for this:

1. There's a lot of misinformation about FODMAPs on the internet and following flawed FODMAP advice won't give you the results you're looking for.

2. Straight up: it can be a complicated diet to wrap your head around. A trained Dietitian can break down the key messages you need to know in language that's easy to understand.

3. Trained Dietitians will provide you with accurate and reliable food lists and resources to help you on your journey. They'll also make sure you're meeting your nutrient needs while taking the low FODMAP approach.

4. Most people won't need to be on this diet forever. Re-introducing foods can be tricky. A FODMAP trained registered dietitian can teach you how to reintroduce foods in the appropiate way and help you sort through your results. Interested in learning more about a low FODMAP diet? Book a free 15 minute phone consultation with me! On our phone call you can tell me about the type of digestive distress you experience and we can figure out if a low FODMAP diet is a good approach for you.

IBS Package:

I work one-on-one with clients to help them reduce your symptoms and pin point the specific foods that trigger your IBS. The IBS Package includes:

Find food freedom and liberation! Remember, knowledge is power. Knowing exactly what triggers your IBS gives you the power to manage your symptoms. Whether that's staying away from foods that stimulate painful gas and bloating, or implementing stress reduction techniques to bring stability to your bowel movements, we extensively explore your triggers so that you can eat with peace.